SA Labor to introduce violence leave

Jay Weatherill has promised 10 days of paid family violence leave if re-elected in the SA election.

South Australians will be entitled to 10 days of paid family violence leave each year under a re-elected Labor government.

The leave, which would be introduced as a minimum employment standard, would allow women experiencing domestic violence to attend court hearings, move house or seek advice without having to access personal leave.

Premier Jay Weatherill, who will head up a new domestic violence portfolio, says the leave will become a minimum employment standard and laws will be amended to protect workers from any discrimination when accessing it.

"As premier, it is important that I take on board this portfolio so that we can bring together the resources, government, and deliver more important reforms in this area," Mr Weatherill said.

"By providing 10 days of family violence leave, we can ensure women can safely move house, attend court dates and seek legal advice without fear of losing their job."

Mr Weatherill says Labor will also increase penalties for offenders who fail to complete court-ordered rehabilitation and expand the Domestic Violence Crisis Line to ensure a 24-hour response.

A trial of a domestic violence disclosure scheme ensuring sufferers of domestic violence cannot be discriminated against will also be introduced.